Monday, March 31, 2014

MacRieve by Kresley Cole


Description:

A Beast In Torment

Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.

A Beauty In Chains

Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.

A Full Moon On The Rise 

With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?

Review:
MacRieve by Kresley Cole

5 out of 5

OMGoodness!  The hotness of this book!  It was full of hot-chocolate-covered-in-yummy-goodness moments, and I hate that this book had to end!  Especially the way it ended!  ARGH!  Ms. Cole, you are driving me mad!

Poor MacRieve!  All the shit he went through, all the misconceptions that he and the others created... I felt rbad for him.  But once he figured out what he needed to do, and once he learned and saw the truth of what it would men to be with Chloe eternally, the book went from somber and dark to wall-rocking awesomeness.  

Chloe is such a strong character.  Even when MacRieve was verbally bashing her, she kept proving that she was stronger than even she knew.  And personally, I loved her spunk!

I loved getting to learn about the Incubi, Succubi, and the cambion of the Lore.  Definitely eye opening and a fresh take on those creatures.  I especially liked meeting Nieve and Gisela.  They definitely didn't fit the stereotype of a succubus. 

Nix is forever keeping the Lore moving the way she sees that it needs to.  I love when she messes with things.  She adds a spice to the lives of others, though it might make you a bit crazy because of it.  She is one of those that makes you go, "I like her spark".  :0)

Poor, poor Monroe.  Will his mate survive?  Or will she be lost?  I hate not knowing... And having to wait.... Sigh!

I cannot wait for the next book!  Omgoodness!  The wait is going to kill me.  Overall, this is a great book, and I highly recommend it!
Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Black and Blue by Gena Showalter


Description:

He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her…

Review:
Black and Blue by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5
OMGoodness!  This is such a good book.  Like chocolate-covered goodness with whipped cream on top.  And it was just the perfect book to read!

I liked getting to know Blue better.  In the previous book he appeared to be (to quote Evie) a "man-whore".  But in reality he really wanted monogamy.  

Evie was an irritating snob, until you really got to know her.  Once you did, she became a very enjoyable character.  She is smart, strong, and capable.  You ended up cheering her on and hoping for a happy out come.  

It was great to learn about the Arkedians.  Learning more about what powers they have, what they are capable of, and especially learning what Blue can do was very enlightening.  

Poor John No Last Name.  The torture that he endured was horrible.  But I want to know more about him, and I want to know what happens to him next.  How will he heal from the trauma he has experienced as both a child and as an adult.  

What a great story, finding out that the Stars were behind it all, and the play of trying to infiltrate the Star's home for information about John.  Definitely felt like a supernatural spy thriller, which was great!

I loved getting to see Vika & Solo!  I fell in love with them in the first book, and loved seeing them still so in love.  And expecting!  I can't wait to see what happens next for them!

The cover of this book!  OMGoodness!  It is amazing!  

Overall, this is a great novel.  I loved it thoroughly and I highly recommend this book.  I also am looking forward to reading the next book from Ms. Showalter!   
Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, March 24, 2014

Celtic Moon by Jan Delima


Description:

Like father, like son…

Sophie Thibodeau has been on the run from the father of her son for more than fifteen years. Now her son, Joshua, is changing, and her greatest fears are about to be realized. He’s going to end up being just like his father—a man who can change into a wolf.

Dylan Black has been hunting for Sophie since the night she ran from him—an obsession he cannot afford in the midst of an impending war. Dylan controls Rhuddin Village, an isolated town in Maine where he lives with an ancient Celtic tribe. One of the few of his clan who can still shift into a wolf, he must protect his people from the Guardians, vicious warriors who seek to destroy them.

When Sophie and Dylan come together for the sake of their son, their reunion reignites the fierce passion they once shared. For the first time in years, Dylan’s lost family is within his grasp. But will he lose them all over again? Are Joshua and Sophie strong enough to fight alongside Dylan in battle? Nothing less than the fate of his tribe depends on it…

Review:
Celtic Moon by Jan Delima
5 out of 5

This book was one of my WOW posts.  I was so excited when my friend "New" Becca happened upon it and showed it to me.  She hadn't realized that I had been looking for THIS book.  So I got it!  Now I wish I had read it a lot sooner than I did.  It was so good!

Dylan was one sexy shapeshifter.  Wanting to protect his family, he went a little overboard, but his reasoning were understandable.  When he finally understood how to be in a relationship and still protect the ones he loved, you can't help but love him.  

Sophie is one strong woman.  I loved seeing how she was so strong, even against things she didn't understand.  I also loved seeing her learn and use the Serpent.  It showed that when faced with the unknown she would learn to fight with what she is given.  

Elen seems to be full of secrets... The fact that she is so powerful to bring spring in winter and to give a "stuck" wolf a human body makes you wonder what else she is capable of.  

Talesin was one of my favorite characters.  A demi-god with a foot in 2 worlds, she seems to be one of the loneliest characters I've read in a while.  But his craving for family and friends makes you want him to have it.  

I loved the twist and takes on the Celtic mythos and how well it worked with the idea of shapshifters.  Was definitely a fresh take on it!  

I do wonder though, what Talesin saw for Luc and Rosa?  And better yet, what about what will happen to Elen and Cormack?  OMGoodness, I'm dying for the next book... Because I want to know what Talesin knows!

Overall, this was an amazingly awesome book, and I can't wait to read more from this author.  I highly recommend this must-read book!
Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, March 20, 2014

One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands


Description:

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

Review:

One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands
4 out of 5

I barely remember meeting Jake, then Stephano, in one of the earlier books... But I'm glad we got more information on what happened to him.  I think it helps give us a full circle to Ms. Sands' stories.  

At times, I can't tell if Nicole is just naive or whether she is afraid to admit things.  There were times that she just didn't seem to get it.  

I love the twins, especially when Jake is trying to explain immortals, lifemates, and that there was nothing to be afraid of.  Another plus, is their sense of humor... Definitely had me giggling several times.  

I really liked how Jake was still so new to being a vampire, even though he had been one for 7 years.  It really made this book a great reminder of what it means to be an immortal.  

Can I just say that Argueu-Notte family tree is starting to get confusing.  A family tree in the book might be needed again!

I liked how the actual villain wasn't actually who they were thinking it was.  Instead, it was a nice surprise with who it was, and why he was doing it.  

Overall, this was a good book and a quick read.  Definitely recommend this book.
Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, March 17, 2014

First Bite by Dani Harper


Description:

Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.
Review:

First Bite by Dani Harper
4 out of 5

Neva is definitely stubborn.  I kinda like that about her.  It makes her a strong character, helps her keep going, even with all the difficulties she was experiencing.  

Travis is carrying a burden, though through most of the book, we don't know what the burden is.  But when we finally discover his burden, you can't help but feel sorry for him.  

Meredith is one mean, nasty bitch... And she really is horrible to do those things to her own sister.  

Why is it that the changeling wolf always seem sot recognize a mate before the changeling man?  Is it the instincts of the wolf or is it that the man (or woman) are quick to make excuses?

I feel like there are things that I was missing from the storyline, or there are parts that are delayed too long from being revealed.  Things like Meredith and Neva being twins should have been revealed much earlier in the book ( a lot earlier than over halfway through the book).  Also, the relationship between Neva and Travis seemed to be missing early sparks.  Until the sex scene, and then it was an inferno. 

Now, there were several hot moments in the novel between Neva and Travis... Kinda wished that there had been more, but Travis just had to get captured.  

I am interested in seeing how Travis' Family will react to his return.  Good or bad, there is so much potential in that return. 

I felt that the whole book could have ended as a single book.  I mean, they could have take care of Meredith, and I would have been content.  I am interested to see where the rest of this series is going.  

I'm curious to see what story is going to develope for Riley, Blake, and Zarita.  I feel that it is leading to something and I can't wait to see what it leads to.  
Overall, this is a good book, but it could have been better.  I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Harper.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Immortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare


Description:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review:


Immortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
4 out of 5

Simon is so precious... I mean, he so reminds me of some of my guy friends in high school, and that is cute.  Really, I felt a bit sorry for him when he became a rat, but I couldn't help but laugh.  I think that the whole situation was a wonderful break from the more serious subjects in this novel.  


Clary seems a bit dense... She doesn't seem to get the simple everyday things, though she seems to understand the shadow hunters world much easier than the mundane world.  And that just doesn't make sense to me.  

Jace appears to be an ass, but he does make me laugh with his snide comments.  

Poor Alac... To have to hide who he is from friends, family, and the world is sad.  

Isabell is kind of irritating... Really like a spoiled brat that has never been told no.  I just want to shake her until her teeth rattles.  

Hodge is an interesting character.  He knows a lot, sees a lot and only reveals what he feels he needs to, a little at a time.  I wondered what he was hiding, but by the end of the book, it made sense.  

Magnus Bane was pretty cocky, but I think he truly has a good heart.  He wants to help, but has no way to do much.

Unfortunately by the time the big "mystery" of who Clary's parents are... It wasn't that surprising.  All the clues were there, so it wasn't as big a deal for me by the time it was revealed.  

I loved Jace's birthday meal, surprise, and gift.  It showed that he was thoughtful and liked Clary enough to do something nice for her. 
I was a bit disturbed by the whole "guess what? Jace is your brother, Clary" thing.  But it is too convenient.  

Overall, this is a good book, but I'm not sure I want to read the rest of this series.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, March 10, 2014

Indelible by Dawn Metcalf



Description:

Some things are permanent.

Indelible.

And they cannot be changed back.


Joy Malone learns this the night she sees a stranger with all-black eyes across a crowded room—right before the mystery boy tries to cut out her eye. Instead, the wound accidentally marks her as property of Indelible Ink, and this dangerous mistake thrusts Joy into an incomprehensible world—a world of monsters at the window, glowing girls on the doorstep, and a life that will never be the same.

Now, Joy must pretend to be Ink’s chosen one—his helper, his love, his something for the foreseeable future...and failure to be convincing means a painful death for them both. Swept into a world of monsters, illusion, immortal honor and revenge, Joy discovers that sometimes, there are no mistakes.

Somewhere between reality and myth lies…

THE TWIXT



Review:


Indelible by Dawn Metcalf

5 out of 5

Joy seems to be a really cool character. Though she has had some difficulties in life, she takes the actual reality of the Twixt surprisingly well.  Yes, she does have a nervous break down, calls the police and freaks out a lot in the beginning (and who of us wouldn't).  But she still handles a lot of people.  

Poor Ink.  He is like the wooden boy wishing he was real.  And he is a bit irritated about it all. But I love watching him grow.  

The Bailiwick seems to be a very fine line between friend and foe.  A giant, multi-armed frog definitely appears to be someone that you don't want to make angry.  But I love how Bailiwick plays sudoku!  Such a normal thing for such a paranormal creature.  

Inq is hilarious!  An exact opposite of her brother.  Which definitely makes her seem to be more approachable.


I was really wondering what mystery was going on... Bobbytrapped lockers?  Unknown/secret marks appearing in Ink & Inq's work? and the rock attack?  These are just a few of the things that happened to make you wonder what is really going on.  But when you find out who is causing all teh issues, you can't help but understand it all.  

I did feel so sad for Joy. Going through the final battle, watching Ink get killed, and everything else... Ack!  It was so heartwretching!  

I will say that I absolutely loved the last chapter and the epilogue.  It was absolutely beautiful and corny (which for this book is an awesome thing!).  I was pleasantly pleased with how it ended.  

Overall, this is an awesome book.  I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more by this author.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Audio Book: Storm Warrior by Dani Harper

Storm Warrior (Grim, #1)

Description:

Enslaved for millennia by the masters of the Welsh faery realm, the fierce Celtic warrior Rhys is doomed to wander the earth forever. But when a brave beauty unwittingly breaks the enchantment, he is drawn into a strange new world…and an all-consuming desire.

Sensible Morgan doesn’t believe in magic—until a mysterious being saves her from a fate worse than death, and life as she knows it changes forever. Now the man of her dreams has become flesh and blood, igniting a spark in Morgan’s soul which science cannot explain. But even a love that transcends time may not be strong enough to withstand the power of an ancient curse.

From the best-selling author of Changeling Moon, this stirring novel of passion and magic launches an addictive new series for fans of paranormal romance.

Review:
Storm Warrior by Dani Harper

5 out of 5

I loved Gwen.  Her love of the paranormal had a wonderful lightening effect in the first few chapters.  Plus, I loved who she turned out to be... Very surprising.  

Morgan, a woman raised on fairy-tales, but ended up turning to science, seems to be missing something in her life. 

I loved what happened after Rhys found out he was human again.  I would imagine anyone would be like that.  But poor guy, getting arrested for nothing more than waking up naked after being a dog for centuries, was kind of funny.  
Leo seems to be a great guy.  I loved how he took Rhys under his wing.  Also, I love how he seemed to have such a good attitude about Rhys learning a lot of things.  Plus, he befriends all manner of fae... Which automatically makes him a great guy.  

I love Ranyon.  He was hilarious!  I think that he was one of the best little characters in any book that I've read recently.  

I think that Jay and his friends are awesome for accepting Rhys into the fold for training.  

Morgan's dreams are really hot!  But when Morgan and Rhys finally get together... Hot like a summer day where the ice melts in the freezer and the eggs cook on the side walk.  Absolutely delish!  And then to add to that, how Rhys courts Morgan... This is what every girl wants, and even desires, from a man.  

Personally, I loved the Ren Faire and how it was the beginning of the "great battle."  I love Ren Faires anyways, so I can so agree that everything should be great fun there.  

It is amazing some of the creatures we are introduced to in this book.  Creatures that I've never heard of, and some I'd never like to meet.  I definitely wanted to learn more about Welsh-Celtic mythology after this. 

For a lot of the book, I bemoaned the fact that Morgan's lack of belief in the fae & fairy-tales effected her whole relationship with Rhys.  But I cheered up as she kept her wits about her as she battled the fae. 

The prologue was a bit much for me... I mean, I like knowing the history Rhys had, but for those not familiar with the Welsh-Celtic myths, the very end of the prologue is confusing.  

Overall, this was an amazing book!  I absolutely loved it!  Highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection, #2)

Description:

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review:
The Elite by Kiera Cass

5 out of 5

I love the re-discovery of Halloween!  As one of my favorite holidays (because I love dressing up in costume) I really enjoyed seeing how the holiday might be for those who had never had the chance to celebrate it before.  

Poor Marlee & Carter!  Marlee was one of my favorites, so I hated that this happened.  But the love that Marlee and Carter shared was so inspiring.  Any girl wants a love like that... Including me.

America is making a lot of stupid and emotional decisions.  A lot of decisions that could cause issues for a lot of people (proof is what happened to Maxon after one of her stunts).  America needs a good, swift kick in the rear.  Why can't she make up her mind?  Her flip-flopping was driving me nuts!  Just pick Maxon for goodness sake!

I know my heart broke for Maxon and what he has been through.  And in a lot of ways, I think he is right to put America in her place and let her earn the right to be the princess.  Honestly, I think that is the best decision made through the whole book.

I loved Anne, Mary & Lucy.  They are a well organized machine that will definitely help America in her continued journey in the selection.  

OMGoodness!  I really discovered that I despised the king in this book.  That tyrant needs to be de-throned... and soon!

I think the true story of how Illea came to be, how the caste system was created, and why it was created definitely adds a lot of secrets to this country.  It also makes me hate Gregory Illea and what he did to his daughter.  

There is definitely a whole lot more action in this book.  Rebels attack a lot, plus all the running that everyone does to get to safety, there are a lot more injuries.  

I'm not sure how I feel about the other Elite.  I despise Celeste.  Elise, I'm just not sure about.  But Kriss, I can't help but like and dislike her at the same time.  

Guess what?  I still think that Aspen is an Ass!  What man tells the woman he loves that she would suck as a princess?  An Ass!

Overall, this is an amazing book.  I'm dying for the next book to come out.  Highly recommend this book to everyone!

Happy Reading!

Cana